SIRT investigating in-custody death at James Smith Cree Nation

JAMES SMITH CREE NATION - The Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT) is investigating an in-custody death.

On April 28 at approximately 7:55 a.m., Melfort RCMP received a report that an adult male had discharged bear spray inside an occupied residence on the James Smith Cree Nation.

Officers responded immediately. At approximately 8 a.m., a second caller reported that the adult male may have used an illicit substance and was now in the basement of the residence where the bear spray was discharged.

When officers arrived, the adult male fled from the residence on foot. Officers followed the man on foot to the backyard of the residence and placed him under arrest.

Immediately after his arrest, the man went into medical distress in the backyard. Officers immediately called EMS, administered naloxone multiple times, and provided CPR until EMS arrived.

The 29-year-old male was declared deceased by EMS at the scene. His family has been notified.

As required by The Police Act, 1990, Saskatchewan RCMP notified the Saskatchewan Serious Incident Response Team (SIRT). SIRT will investigate the circumstances of the in-custody death.

The Saskatchewan RCMP said in the news release it is disclosing this as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency.

Any inquiries regarding this matter can be directed to SIRT, which will be providing further updates as their investigation unfolds.